NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 17 – President Mwai Kibaki on Saturday advised the residents of Tharaka and Tigania border to embrace peace and unity in order to reap maximum benefits from various development projects being implemented by the Government in the area.
President Kibaki noted that conflicts contribute to underdevelopment in the society and miserable lives.
The President made the remarks after he officially launched the Kenya Water Institute, Chiakariga Campus in Tharaka.
He affirmed that the many essential development projects being implemented in various parts of the country could only make significant impact on the lives of wananchi if they maintained peace and security.
The Head of State assured the area residents that diverse development requests submitted by the area MP Alex Muiru would be considered to ensure that the area got its fair share of development projects like other parts of the country.
He noted that the area had a huge agricultural potential which would be fully tapped once vital roads were upgraded.
The President gave an assurance that water projects in the area and other parts of the country would continue to be expanded to ensure Kenyans had access to clean and safe water.
During the occasion the President directed Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi to ensure that major markets in the area and the country at large were connected with electric power in order to create adequate opportunities for the youth.
President Kibaki declared that electricity promotes development in rural areas and increases opportunities for the Kenyan youths.
Speaking during the same occasion Mr Murungi urged the local residents to uphold peace so that they could enjoy quality lives due to accelerated rates of development being championed by the government.
He declared that the source of the Tharaka/Tigania border conflict was land matters but asked the local residents to desist from animosity because the area leaders were addressing the matter conclusively.
Mr Murungi promised to ensure that important markets and public schools in the area would be connected with electricity and those that far off will be supplied with solar.
Others who addressed the gathering included Cooperatives Minister Joseph Nyaga and area MP Alex Muiru.
The occasion was attended by Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura, several assistant Ministers and legislators among other senior government officials.
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